Wallace features an impressive physique (even measured against the standards of his NBA peers) which allows him to out-muscle most of his opposition and play bigger than his body. Wallace constantly ranks among the best rebounders and shot blockers. His uncanny defensive timing allows him to defend with great intensity without committing a foul (his career average of 2.1 fouls per game [1] is considered low). In addition, he is seen also as one of the most reliable contributors, rarely failing to deliver in important games.

His drawback is his offensive game. Although he averaged almost 10 points per game in 2005, he is not considered an offensive threat. He has tried to work hard on becoming less of an offensive liability. Realizing his limitations on offense, he will make smart passes in addition to making cuts to the basket to receive a pass for a potential easy lay-up.

Like other big men in the NBA, namely Shaquille O'Neal and Wilt Chamberlain, Wallace is an atrocious free throw shooter. In fact, he is the worst free throw shooter in NBA history out of any player with more than 1000 attempts. As of October 2005, his NBA career average is 42.0%. This ineptitude at the free throw line results in his sometimes becoming a target of the so-called "Hack-a-Shaq" defense (A tactic that has drawn the ire of teammate Rasheed Wallace). The reason for this drawback is that his right wrist has some ligaments that were cut off due to a surgery that was needed because his hand had some carpal tunnel issues. This causes his hand to go "dead" whenever he dunks, falls to the ground, or when he shoots a free throw, resulting in him being unable to make them on a consistent basis.

Though he is only measured at 6 ft 9 in (a height which is often disputed), he is known as one of the best off-ball and post defenders in NBA history.

On February 9, 2006, for the fourth time in his career, Wallace was selected to play in the 2006 NBA All-Star Game in Houston, Texas as a reserve for the Eastern Conference. Though his team is one of the biggest offensive forces in the NBA, his point-per game average dropped from 9.7 points in 2005 to 7.3 points in 2006.

Wallace has gained great notoriety in the Detroit area and nationwide, and fans often arrive at his games sporting wigs in honor of his trademark afro hairstyle. However, he only has the afro for home games; for away games, he has his hair styled into cornrows. He stated he was made fun of at away games for his hair styles.

Whenever Wallace scores or records a block in his home court, the sound of a gong is played, an allusion to the Big Ben, Wallace's nickname.

ESPN announcers have said that Wallace is able to bench press 460 pounds (210 kg) and curl 200 pounds (90 kg) for several repetitions. The Detroit Free Press has also added that he has only 3.8% body fat. nhjghjghjghjghjghjghjghjghjghj

Was an all-state basketball, football, and baseball player in high school.